








T 

ETS US MAKE 
BOX FURNITURE 




g.e;llingwood rich 




Class 



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Co|?;TightN?, 



COPTOIGHT DEPOSIT. 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 
PAPER BOX FURNITURE 




A Happy Little Worker. 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US 

MAKE PAPER BOX 

FURNITURE 



A BOOK WHICH SHOWS CHILDREN JUST HOW TO 
MAKE MOST ATTRACTIVE TOY FURNITURE OUT OF 
MATERIALS WHICH COST PRACTICALLY NOTHING 
—TOYS WHICH GIVE AS MUCH PLEASURE AS 
THOSE FROM EXPENSIVE TOY SHOPS. 



By G. ELLINGWOOD RICH 

Teacher of Art and Manual Training y Brooklyn Training 
School for Teachers 



ILLUSTRATED BY THE AUTHOR 




NEW YORK 
MOFFAT, YARD AND COMPANY 
1914 



^ 



<<' 



Copyright, 1914, by 

MOFFAT, YARD & COMPANY 

New York 



All Rights Reserved 



j^ 



^<£ 



o 



I 1914 

©C1,A876594 



:^ 



TO 

MY FATHER AND MOTHER 

THE BEST PLAYFELLOWS I EVER HAD 
TO WHOSE ORIGINALITY AND INGENUITY 
I OWE MY FIRST CONSTRUCTIVE IMPULSES 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 
PARLOR FURNITURE 

PAGE 

Divan 34 

Book Shelves 52 

Writing Desk 56 

Morris Chair 60 

Library Table 64 

Fireplace 74 

Piano 78 

Parlor Chair 88 

Tabouret and Palm 96 

Screen 98 

Piano Bench 108 

BEDROOM FURNITURE 

Bed 30 

Dresser 46 

Crib 80 

Chiffonier 82 

Chair 88 

Screen 98 

Cradle 102 

DINING ROOM FURNITURE 

Table 38 

Arm Chair 42 

Fireplace 74 

Chair 88 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PAOE 

High Chair 92 

Tabouret and Palm 96 

KITCHEN FURNITURE 

Table 38 

Stove 68 

Kitchen Cabinet 84 

Chair 88 

Wash Tub and Bench 100 

HALL FURNITURE 

Hall Rack 90 

Umbrella Stand 106 

Clock 110 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 

PAGE 

A Happy Little Worker Frontispiece 

Necessary Tools 17 

Bed 29 

Details of Bed 31 

Divan 33 

Details of Divan 35 

Dining Table 37 

Details of Dining Table 39 

Arm Chair 41 

Details of Arm Chair 43 

Dresser 45 

Details of Dresser 47 

Big Brother 49 

Book Case 51 

Details of Book Case 53 

Writing Desk 55 

Details of Writing Desk 57 

Morris Chair 59 

Details of Morris Chair 61 

Library Table 63 

Details of Library Table 65 

Stove 67 

Details of Stove 69 

Fun on a Rainy Day 71 

Fireplace 73 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 

PAGE 

Details of Fireplace 75 

Piano 77 

Details of Piano 79 

Crib 81 

Chiffonier 83 

Kitchen Cabinet 85 

Getting Supper 87 

Parlor Chair 89 

Hall Rack 91 

High Chair 93 

When Baby is Hungry 95 

Tabouret and Palm 97 

Screen 99 

Wash Tub and Bench 101 

Cradle 103 

Rock-a-by-Baby . 105 

Umbrella Stand 107 

Piano Bench 109 

Clock , . . . Ill 



TO GROWN-UPS. 

You are interested in very little, middle-sized 
or big girls or boys, each child according to his 
years craving a medium for self expression and 
opportunity to create. 

To each according to his interests and develop- 
ing powers the suggestions in this little book are 
offered. 

It is the author's hope that the industry, per- 
severance and ingenuity needed to work out the 
suggestions may help in some small way to lay 
the foundation upon which big after things may 
be builded. 



14 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 



TO VERY LITTLE GIRLS AND BOYS. 

You can make the furniture easily if your big 
sister or brother will read the directions to you. 
You will have great fun looking at the pictures, 
listening to the rhymes and playing with the fur- 
niture. 



TO MIDDLE-SIZED GIRLS. 

You, also, will enjoy the pictures and rhjTiies. 
Of course you will take great pleasure playing 
with your doll furniture, but, best of all, you can 
make every bit of it yourself. Just think — jou 
can make it just the size and just the color you 
wish it; and the rhymes will suggest many de- 
lightful little ^'extras'' to make your doll home 
attractive just as mother makes hers. 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 15 



TO BIG GIRLS AND MIDDLE-SIZED AND BIG BOYS. 

Even though you may not wish to play with 
the furniture yourself you will thoroughly enjoy 
making and giving it to some dear little folks of 
your acquaintance. You will also be getting and 
giving a great deal of pleasure by helping other 
little friends make their own furniture. 

You will enjoy changing the designs or mak- 
ing other pieces of furniture from your own orig- 
inal ideas. I suggest that you design and make 
a china closet, sideboard, combination desk and 
bookcase, four posted bed, wash stand with towel 
rack, music cabinet, business desk for ^^father," 
rocking chair, circular top table, lamp or shirt- 
waist box. I'm sure you will think of many 
more. 



16 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 

TO MAKE OTHERS HAPPY. 

You might make toy furniture for the chil- 
dren 's ward in a hospital. 

You might make them for some little friend 
who is quarantined. 

You might make them for some little ^^ shut- 
in." 

You might teach some little *^ shut-in" how to 
make them, being sure to k^ep him supplied with 
boxes. 

You might organize a toy-making club and 
make them as gifts for poor children. 

Your Sunday school class might make them to 
be sold on a ^^Toy Table" at your church fair. 

You might show them to your teacher at school. 
She might wish to form a club so that many 
children may have the pleasure of making them. 

You might make them for Christmas or birth- 
day presents for your little friends. 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 



17 










NECESSARY TOOLS. 



18 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 



MATERIALS AND HOW TO USE THEM. 

BOXES. 

Boxes of all sorts, sizes and kinds are to be 
had by simply asking for them. Every store 
throws away dozens of them every day. They 
seldom keep any because they haven't room for 
them. If you explain to a clerk in a store what 
you are doing with the boxes, I am sure that he 
will save them for you. You must be sure to go 
for them at the time he tells you because they will 
be in his way. You will find many fine, strong 
boxes at drygoods, stationery, drug and candy 
stores. 




PAPER BOX FURNITURE 19 



SIZES AND PROPORTIONS. 



You must first decide about what size you wish 
your set of furniture to be and then make a col- 
lection of boxes of suitable sizes. 

If you wish to make a tiny set to fit into a lit- 
tle play house to be used for small china dolls or 
paper dolls, then collect small peppermint, spool, 
jewelry, powder or pill boxes. 

If you wish to make larger furniture to be 
used in a large play house or on the floor, for 
medium-sized dolls, make a collection of large 
candy, stocking, collar and corset boxes. 

If you wish to make quite large furniture to 
be used on the floor, for good-sized dolls, collect 
still larger corset, envelope, shoe and wholesale 
candy boxes. 

Try as far as possible to keep all the pieces of 
furniture planned for one room in good propor- 
tion to one another. 

Try also to keep all the parts of each object in 
good proportion. 



20 



WHEN MOTHEE LETS US MAKE 



"SCORING." 

To bend a stiff piece of cardboard so that the 
edge will be nice and straight, it should be 
** scored." Lay a ruler along the line where it 
is to be bent and make a light scratch with the 
knife. This is called *^ scoring." The card- 
board should then be bent with the ^* scoring" on 
the outside. 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 21 



CUTTING. 



To cut a box or cover into two pieces, draw 
around the sides and bottom, making it ''square" 
by using a carpenter's square, a draughtsman's 
triangle or the corner of another box or cover. 
Use scissors to cut down the edges of the box ; if 
the scissors will not cut quite to the bottom, 
finish with the knife. "Score" across the bot- 
tom and bend it. By bending back and forth, 
the two pieces will come apart. 

To cut a piece out^ as when shaping a leg like 
those of the dresser, use scissors to make two 
cuts in from the edge; use the knife to "score" 
across between the cuts, and bend back and forth 
until the piece comes out. 

To cut a piece out to make slats like those in 
the headboard of the bed, use a ruler to draw the 
shape of the "hole"; stick the point of the knife 
through the cardboard at the corner of the 
"hole," and, with a smving motion^ carefully fol- 
low the lines. To prevent the cardboard from 
tearing, put your hand underneath to support it, 
but be very careful to keep your fingers away 
from the knife. 



22 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 



FASTENING. 

To fasten the parts of the furniture together 
use brass fasteners instead of glue. Fasteners 
cost about ten cents for a box containing one 
hundred. Glue is not satisfactory because it 
will not securely hold the heavy cardboard. 
These toys are to be played with by children and 
must be strong and securely fastened together. 

Hold two parts together and stick the point of 
the knife through both pieces. Push the prongs 
of the fasteners through the slit and separate 
them on the under side ; then flatten them in op- 
posite directions. 

The fasteners can be put in and bent to fasten 
and, at the same time, suggest knobs, hooks and 
piano pedals. The directions and pictures will 
show how. 

It is possible to fasten parts together by 
punching two holes instead of one and using 
string. The string can be pulled through with 
a darning needle and must then be tightly knot- 
ted and cut off. This is strong enough but 
slower and more difficult. 






PAPER BOX FURNITURE 23 

PAINTING. 

The little pieces of furniture are very cunning 
whether they are painted or not, but painting 
them adds greatly to their attractiveness. 

iWhen you have finished one piece you may be 
so anxious to see how it will look when painted 
that you will be tempted to paint it immediately. 
It will be wiser and more workmanlike to plan 
and make all the furniture for one room before 
you paint any of it. 

Before you begin to paint, it is a good idea to 
examine the corners of the furniture; if any of 
them are split or weak, strengthen them with ad- 
hesive tape of some sort (passe-partout tape 
comes in convenient and inexpensive rolls). 
The paint will cover up the tape. 

Since boxes usually have printed labels which 
may show on the furniture, it is best to use a 
thick paint. Enamel in small ten cent cans may 
be bought in a variety of colors suitable for the 
furniture, black, white, mahogany, antique oak, 
light oak and rosewood. If dull paints or stains 
are used, put on a coat of shellac t© make it shine 
like varnish. White shellac can be bought in 
bottles for about twenty cents a pint. 

One brush will do for all colors because with 
care it can be kept clean and soft. Clean shellac 
brushes with alcohol; clean paint brushes with 



24 WHEN MOTHER LETS TJS MAKE 

turpentine. The turpentine will take paint off 
of fingers or remove any little spatters which 
may aecidentallly have gone on to other things. 

THESE ARE SOME PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS : 

Choose a place to work — kitchen table, bench 
in woodshed, sewing table in nursery, work- 
shop, barn, back porch, under a tree in the or- 
chard or back yard. 

Spread papers or oil cloth to protect mother's 
furniture and carpets from paint. 

Choose a place to put your furniture while 
it is drying, where no one is liable to put 
other things which might be damaged by the 
paint. 

Use a screw driver to pry off the cover of the 
paint can; scissors or knife will break if used 
for this purpose. 

Use a small stick like a meat skewer or old 
pen-holder to stir your paint from the bottom. 
It will need to be stirred thoroughly each time 
it is used. 

Paint all the underneath and lower parts first, 
while you are still able to hold it in your hands ; 
then set it down and hold an upper corner while 
you paint all the rest; then let go and paint 
that corner. 

Put the cover on the can when you have fin- 
ished. If the paint has thickened on the edge of 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 



25 



the can it should be scraped off, because the paint 
will dry up if the cover is not tightly closed. 

Thoroughly clean your brush. 

Put your painting materials in some place 
where mother lets you keep such things. 

Pick up and destroy all the soiled papers. 




26 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 

TO BOYS. 

Don't think this work's for girls alone, 
For surely that's not true; 

It's every whit as boyish sport 
As anything you do. 

And won't the girls be pleased indeed, 
When to them you present 

As fine a set of furniture, 
As if to a store they'd sent? 

And you can good designers be, 

Makers and painters, too. 
The happiest little workmen known. 

In your occupations new. 

And you can play you're salesmen keen, 
When all your goods are done, 

Or give them to your little friends. 
For surely that is fun. 

So now get boxes from the stores. 
And fasteners, bright and strong; 

Ruler and knife and scissors, too. 
Will help your work along. 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 27 

TO GIRLS. 

Don't think this work's for ioys alone, 

For that's not really true; 
It surely is as girlish fun 

As anything you do. 

Of course, when boys have made the toys, 
They'll give them right away; 

But girls, when they have finished theirs, 
Will sit right down and play. 

You also may designers be, 

Makers and painters as well, 
And in your dainty workmanship 

May even the boys excel. 

But there's one thing that girls can do. 

Which boys won't undertake, 
That is, the attractive little things 

With needle and thread to make. 

So get your boxes and fasteners strong, 
And sewing materials you'll need, 

And then your playhouse, when 'tis done. 
Will be unique indeed. 



28 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 



MAXIKG THE BED. 

A mattress you need and some pillows, 

Some cases, a blanket and sheet. 
To place in the little white bed you have made, 

I'm sure it will then be complete. 



PAPER BOX FUKNITtTBE 



29 




30 WHEN MOTHEE LETS ITS MAKE 



BED. 

Use a shallow box and its cover. 

For a large bed use a stocking box. 

For a smaller bed use a spool or caramel box. 

For a very small bed use a jewelry box. 

1. Cut the cover into two parts, making one 
part longer than the other. The longer part is 
the headboard, the shorter part is the footboard. 

2. Fit the headboard and footboard on the 
ends of the box and hold them with both hands. 
Slide the box up or down until it looks like a bed. 

3. Lay the footboard down, but hold the head- 
board and box together, until you fasten them. 

4. Fit the footboard on again to match the 
headboard, and fasten it. 

5. Cut the bottom of headboard and footboard 
to look like legs. Also cut the slats in the head- 
board and the footboard. 

6. Paint brown or white. 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 



31 




Urge bed -stocking box 
5nicil] bed-spool box 



foot boDvd Head bocird 

Covers - cut on dots 





Box^ 
Head board-foot board Body of bed 




fa5teT]ed 



Lec^s and sbtb cut 



Details of Bed. 



32 WHEN MOTHEK LETS US MAKE 



COSY DIVAN. 



To make this divan comfortable, 
What would you next suggest '^ 

You might make sofa pillows, 
So dolly may lie down and rest. 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 



33 




> 



34 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 



DIVAN. 

Use a box with a cover which entirely overlaps 
it, or two boxes exactly alike without their cov- 
ers. They should be fairly deep, long and nar- 
row, like an ordinary candy box. 

1. Cut away one long side, leaving the other 
long side for the back, and the short ends for 
arms. 

2. Set this on top of the cover and fasten 
through the seat. 

3. Cut away pieces to shape the legs. 

4. Cut slats in the back and arms. 

5. Paint to match the rest of the furniture in 
the living-room. Use antique oak, rosewood or 
mahogany. 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 



35 




Candy box 




Box-front cut away 




Fastened to cover 




Lc§s and slats cut 



Details of Divan. 



36 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 



SETTING THE TABLE. 

If mother has an extra piece 

Of linen she won 't need, 
I 'ni sure she 'd let you make a cloth, 

And be very pleased indeed. 

Perhaps you can make some napkins, too. 

Out of pieces, oh, so tiny; 
Then just set them with your dishes small, 

And knives and forks so shinv. 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 



37 




Dining Eoom Table. 



38 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 



DINING TABLE. 

Use a deep box and the cover of another larger 
box. The cover must be about the same shape, 
but enough larger to project over the box like 
the top of a table. 

A correspondence card box may be used. 
Quite deep and strong boxes for this purpose 
may be got from a drug store or dry goods store. 

1. Place the box bottom up. 

2. Place the cover on top and put fasteners 
through it into the box. A piece of cardboard 
may be used, if you haven't a cover of the right 
size. 

3. Cut the legs as shown in the picture. 

4. Paint to match the other furniture. 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 



39 




Cover 0? slightly 
laroer box 



Correspondence card' box 




Fastened- bottom of box up 




Le$s and rails cut 



Details of Dining Table. 



. 



40 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 



THE FAMILY AT DINNER. 

Put this arm chair at the head of the table, 

And into it put father doll; 
Before him place the platter for meat, 

And play that he serves them all. 

At the opposite end, where the tea set stands, 

Of course mother doll should be. 
And on either side of the table. 

Their little children you'll see. 



PAPER BOX FXTRNITTTEE 



41 




Arm Chair. 



42 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 

ARM CHAIR. 

For a large chair, use two shoe boxes without 
their covers. 

For a small chair, use a chocolate peppermint 
box and its cover. 

For a medium sized chair, use a corset box 
without its cover. 

The following directions are for the corset 
box: 

1. From one end cut a piece as high as you 
wish the seat. From the other end cut a piece 
at least twice as high, for the back. 

2. Fit the seat into the back and fasten to- 
gether. 

3. Cut away the unnecessary ^^end" at the 
top. 

4. Cut out the pieces to form the arms, the 
legs and back. 

5. Paint to match the other furniture. 

If you cut a corset box just in the middle, you 
can make ttvo chairs. Use the two ends for the 
two seats, and the other two pieces for the two 
backs. 



PAPER BOX PTJRNITUEE 



43 



Corset box- cut on dots 




Sides and back - Waste - 5eat 




I 





Sides and back - 5eat — fastened 




1 





// 





mik 



Ibp cut awaynAfms cut - Slats cut 



Details of Arm Chair. 



44 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 



A DAINTY LITTLE DRESSER. 

A little girl's dresser should always be neat, 1 

As all little maidens know ; 
And brushes and combs and scissors and files 

Must all be placed in a row. 

So when you arrange dolly's dresser, 

Be careful of what you choose ; 
And put on the top, only such things 

As you're sure she'll really use. 

Just make a muslin scarf of white 

Over yellow or pink or blue ; 
Then make a pretty cushion small, 

Which things will nicely do. 

Add a powder puff and mirror, 

With comb and brush between; 
She surely can be taught, I know. 

To keep these neat and clean. 



PAPER BOX FTJBNITURE 



45 




Dresser. 



46 WHEN MOTHER LETS TJS MAKE 

DRESSER. 

Use a box, with a cover which overlaps the 
box onlv a little. 

For a large dresser use a shoe box. 

For a medium sized dresser use a candy box, 
having the right kind of cover, or a corset box 
of the wide and shallow kind. 

For a very small dresser use a jewelry box. 

1. Cut the cover the height you wish the back 
to be. 

2. Fit the box into the cover; hold with both 
hands, and slide the box up or down until it looks 
like a dresser. 

3. Mark where you wish the bottom of the box 
to be cut off. Cut it off and fasten the two parts 
together. 

4. Cut a hole for the ** mirror" and fasten an 
extra piece of cardboard behind it. Paste sil- 
ver paper on the cardboard, or fasten a real 
piece of looking glass between it and the back. 

5. Cut pieces of cardboard for the ^^ drawers," 
and fasten them so that the fasteners look like 
knobs. 

6. Paint to match the other furniture. Mark 
key holes. 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 



47 




Low box- about twice as lon6 as wide 




Back 




Le^s and bole 
for'mirror:' 




Cut oTi dots 




Fastened 




1 PP 

I I 



Drawer 
Fronts 




Extra back 



Back and 
drawers 



Details of Dresser. 



48 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 



BIG BROTHER. 

Mother let me make these toys, 
And I made them all myself ; 

And all I used was boxes 
I found upon a shelf. 

Now that the cute little things are made, 
I Ve painted them all as well ; 

Dear little sister is surely pleased. 
As you from her face can tell. 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 



49 




Bipr Brother. 



50 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 



DOILY'S BOOKS. 

Cut small strips of paper, 
And fold them like a book ; 

Upon the outer covers print, 
So they'll quite natural look. 

If you would have some fairy tales, 
Or tales of gnomes and elves, 

Just make a goodly pile of these, 
And put them on the shelves. 

When dolly dear then learns to read 

Her tales of fairyland. 
She'll find that all the books she loves, 

Are here right close at hand. 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 



51 




Book Case. 



52 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 

BOOK SHELVES. 

Use a shallow box with a cover which entirely 
overlaps it, like an ordinary candy box or a 
note paper box. For a very small bookcase, use 
a box such as druggists use for powders. 

1. Study the picture carefully. Notice how 
one end of the cover is cut off and then fastened 
on the top to form the little railing. 

2. All the shelves are made from the box. If 
the case is tall enough for three shelves, use both 
ends and a piece of the middle. 

3. If the case is not tall enough, then make tivo 
shelves, using only the ends. 

When fitting the shelves, push the box in as 
far as it will go ; then mark where it is to be cut 
off. 

4. For books, use the corrugated cardboard in 
which bottles are packed. Cut strips of this, 
making some parts high and some parts low, to 
look like a row of books. By painting them dif- 
ferent colors, and making little marks to suggest 
the titles, they can be made to look very much 
like books. 

The strips must be cut long enough to be bent 
back and fastened to the sides. 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 



53 




Candy box or 
note paper box 




Cover- cut sitoII 
piece from bottom 



Fasten on top- 
clip corners 





Fit box for shelf Fit other end of box 
Hark-cut on dots Mark-cut on dots 




m 

Fit TTiiddle of box 
Mark- cut on dots 




m 

Fasten shelves 
Shape bottom 



Details of Book Case, 



54 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 



DOLLY'S CORRESPONDENCE. 

Cut tooth picks up for pencils, 
And fold small papers, too; 

Tuck these inside the little desk, 
As grown up people do. 

Fit a piece of mother's blotter 
On the shelf on which you write ; 

Lay on this your doll's note paper. 
Choosing dainty blue or white. 



PAPER BOX FTJENITURE 



55 




Writing Desk 



56 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 

WRITING DESK. 

Use the kind of box suggested for the book- 
case. 

1. Cut the cover the right height for the desk. 

2. Fit in the hox^ and slide it up or down until 
it seems right in proportions, as in making the 
dresser. 

3. Mark where it is to be cut off. Cut and 
fasten the parts together. 

4. Study the picture; then cut the top and 
slanting sides. 

5. Shape the legs. Fasten the '^ drawer'^ 
with *^ knobs." 

6. Fit and fasten in the extra cardboard so 
that it projects and forms the writing shelf. 

7. Use the other end of the box for the inside 
shelves. Cut these narrow and lit them care- 
fully. Real pigeon holes can be made by cut- 
ting up penny-in-the-slot caramel boxes, and glu- 
ing them into place. 

8. Paint to match furniture. Glue a piece of 
blotter on the writing shelf. 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 



57 




Candy or 
note paper box 




One end of box fitted in 
End cut away and cut off a^in dresser 





lop and lec^s cut - Extra piece project i n9 
Drawer front fastened for writing shelf- other 

end ot box fitted m for 
shelves as in booK case 



Details of Writing Desk 



58 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 



MAKING FATHER COMFORTABLE. 

Haven't you often noticed, 
As father sits in his chair, 

How he enjoys the cushions 
As he reads his papers there? 

So try to make some cushions 

Of velvet or silk, and see 
If by stuffing them with cotton, 

Father doll as *' comfy" might be. 

Then if, with hands that are skillful. 
You could small ^'papers" make, 

And place with his chair by the ^^fire," 
What comfort he could take ! 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 



59 




Morris Chair. 



60 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 

MORRIS CHAIR. 

Use two boxes of the same size. They should 
be fairly deep and nearly square. The covers 
should overlap the boxes only a little. 

For large chair use collar boxes. 

For very small chair, use jewelry or square 
pill boxes. 

1. Place one iox bottom up. 

2. Place both covers against the sides; hold 
with both hands and slide up or down until the 
proportions seem right for arms. 

3. Mark where they are to be cut off. Cut and 
fasten the three parts together. 

4. Study the picture to see how the arms are 
made to look more natural by cutting away parts 
of the edges of the covers. 

5. Shape the legs and cut the slats. 

6. Use extra cardboard for the back. ' ' Score ' ' 
and bend the lower end, so fasteners may be put 
through it into the seat. 

7. Make holes at the proper places. Use a 
meat skewer or a heavy wire hairpin as the rod 
against which the back rests. 

8. Paint to match furniture. Make cushions. 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 



61 





Two boxes- same bize-nearly square 
E)(tra piece of cardboard for back 
br§e chair=.col1ar boxes - Small ch^lir^ewelr^ boxes 




Invert box for 5eat Portions o( cover ed^es 
Fasten covers for sides, cutaway to form arms. 




Shape the le^^s Fasten back to seat 
Cut slats in arms, l^od^meat skewer or hair p'm 



Details of Morris Chair. 



62 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 



THE TABLE SCARF. 

Your library table you'll want to keep smooth, 
And free of all scratches from books ; 

Make a scarf then of velvet or linen or felt, 
And see how attractive it looks. 

You can, if you wish, hem both of the ends, 
And embroider or stencil them, too ; 

Then, if across the table you lay it, 
The top will keep shiny and new. 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 



63 




Library Table. 



64 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 



LIBRARY TABLE. 

Use two shallow boxes and their covers. 
Spool boxes might be used, but caramel boxes 
would be better. 

1. Use both covers for the legs. Cut them the 
height the table is to be. 

2. Turn one hox bottom up; fit the two pieces 
of the covers on the ends and fasten. 

3. Turn the other box bottom up and fit it in 
from the bottom. Slide it up or down imtil the 
proportions look right for the shelf. Fasten the 
shelf at both ends to the legs. 

4. Fasten on the projecting top. This may be 
the cover of a slightly larger box or of extra 
cardboard. 

5. Shape the legs. You might cut vertical 
slats in the ends between the shelf and top. 

6. Paint to match furniture. 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 



65 




Two shallow boxes 
i the same si^e. 
(Ceirame) or spool boxes 
I Cover of slightly Iar9pr 
^^^^^^ Ibox-or piece of card board 




i 



i 



i 



h 

I 




Both covers cut the 
height of le^s. 



One box fastened in 
for top of tabl^ 




Other box fastened Larger cover or cardboard 
lower down for shelf fastened as top d table. 



Details of Libraiy Table. 



66 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 



LITTLE COOKS. 

The oven doors won't really open, 
But the holes are really there ; 

You can play there's fire in them, 
And your dollies' meal prepare. 

If you have some little pans. 
And pots and skillets as well. 

And mother lets you have some things, 
What to do with them, I'll tell. 

Don't use any water for cooking, 
For that might make a mess ; 

Just mix up some little dry things, 
That would be better, I guess. 

If you take some rice or barley. 

Some co:ffee, beans or tea, 
A fine make-believe supper you'll have. 

Just try it, and you will see. 



PAPEB BOX FURNITURE 



67 




Stove. 



68 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 

STOVE. 

Use two boxes of same size, with covers which 
overlap only a little, like collar boxes, candy 
boxes with this kind of cover, baby-shoe boxes or 
jewelry boxes. 

1. Place one box right side up on top of its 
cover. Place hetween the two an extra card- 
board, large enough to project from one end and 
side. Fasten through the bottom of box and 
cardboard, into the cover. 

2. Shape the projecting cardboard into front 
and side hearths. Shape the legs. 

3. Cut six holes in the other cover. Use sil- 
ver half dollar or spool for pattern. Fasten on 
the top. 

4. Fasten on the oven ^^ doors," etc. Study 
the picture to see how the fasteners have been 
made to look like hinges, by cutting two little 
slits for the prongs, and bending one out flat and 
then down. The ^^ knobs" are put through one 
slit as in the dresser. 

5. The pipe is made of a roll of stiff paper or 
a pasteboard mailing tube. Push through one 
hole ; if it fits, it will not need to be fastened. 

6. Paint it with black enamel. 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 



69 





Two oblong) boxes - Scime size 
Extra piece of cardboard for hearth 
Cc\YidY box , baby shoe box or collar box 



One box fastened 
through Its bottom 
to top of cover- e^tva 
cardboard between and 
projectino for hearth. 



Other cover- half dollar 
used as pattern for holes 






Top fastened on 
and le^s cut. 



Boors fastened on 
Pipe put into hole 



Details of Stove. 



70 WHEN MOTHEE LETS US MAKE 



FUN ON A RAINY DAY. 

When the rain comes down, and the wind does 
blow, 

And indoors we must stay, 
Mother lets ns to the nursery go 

And with our boxes play. 

Oh, it's lots of fun when we're all alone, 

To make such lovely toys, 
Especially, when the rain beats hard 

And keeps in girls and boys. 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 



71 




Fun on a Rainy Day. 



72 WHEN" MOTHEK LETS US MAKE 



BEFOEE THE EIRE. 

Take some beads of jet and coral, 

And fuzzy white wool for smoke ; 
Of course 'tis only a make-believe fire, 

But it's just as much fun to poke. 

Pull a cozy chair in front of your ^^fire," 

Where grandmother doll may sit ; 
While all the little dolls 'round her gather, 

That she may tell stories and knit. 

Play it's Christmas and hang up the stockings, 

If your dolls are fast asleep ; 
Fill them with a few little trinkets, 

Which out of the tops will peep. 



PAPEB BOX FURNITURE 



73 




Fireplace 



74 WHEN MOTHER LETS VS MAKE 

FIREPLACE. 

Use two chocolate peppermint boxes of the 
same size, or one peppermint box and its cover ; 
also a long and narrow cover of some other box. 

1. Stand the boxes on their ends. If too tall 
for the mantel, cut them off; but be sure to cut 
off the tops^ as the bottom ends are needed to 
fasten to the hearth. 

2. Use extra cover for shelf and fasten the 
ends to the boxes. 

3. Use extra cardboard for hearth and back. 
*^ Score" and bend it. 

4. Set the mantel on the hearth and close 
against the back. Let the back slant out while 
you fasten through bottoms of mantel into the 
hearth. 

5. Push the back up again and reach under 
the shelf, to put fasteners through back edge 
into the back. 

6. Make ^^ mirror" of silver paper or real 
looking-glass, using extra cardboard as in the 
dresser. 

7. Use snfiall box and its cover for the grate. 
Cut slats and legs. Fasten the back of grate to 
back of fireplace. 

8. Paint grate with black enamel and the 
** woodwork" like your furniture, or with white 
enamel. Paint the hearth and fireplace like 
brick or tiles. 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 



75 




\Two chocolate peppermint 
box.cs-5anic si^e 



J Cover of mrrow box for shelf 
Extra cardboard for hearth 




Boxes standing on ends Cardboard scorerf'and bent 
Cover fastened as shelf for hearth and back 




Boxes fastened throujih Back fastened throu9h 
bottoms to hearth before back ed§e of shelf 
back is fastened \xp "Hirror'as in dresser 



Details of Fireplace. 



76 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 



A TINY MUSICIAN. 

Many children practice 

An hour every day, 
Then let your dolly do the same, 

And on this piano play. 

She will need some sheets of music 
With notes so black and small, 

These I 'm very sure you 11 make her, 
So that she can play them all. 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 



77 




Piano. 



78 WHEN MOTHEK LETS US MAKE 

PIANO. 

Use a box with a cover which entirely overlaps, 
like a writing paper box. 

1. Stand the cover on one end; cut it the right 
height for the piano. 

2. Study the picture to see just what parts of 
the sides and top are to be cut away. 

3. Cut the hox the same height as you cut the 
coA^er. 

4. Carefully study the picture. Notice how 
the box is made to fit into the piano, by cutting 
down the edges of box until they are as deep as 
^^A" in the picture. Fasten the parts together. 

5. Use the other end of the box for the key- 
board; cut and fit this very carefully; then 
fasten with two fasteners at each end. 

6. Draw the black and white keys on a strip 
of white paper or cardboard, and fasten it on. 

7. Cut, ^^ score," bend and fasten the music 
rack as shown in the picture. 

8. The picture will show you how one prong 
of each fastener is pushed through from the 
iack, and bent to look like a pedal. The other 
prong turns up a little over the edge to make it 
firm. 

9. Paint with rosewood, mahogany or black 
enamel. 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 



79 





Mote paper box 




|!%i^l^ 



Cover-cut height of piano Box-cut down to depth 
Shape 5ide5 and top of A -fit mto cov/er 





Other end of box fitted Keys Ynarked-peddls fastened 
and fastened for hey-board , Music rack-extra piece . 



Details of Piano. 



80 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 



CRIB. 

Use box and cover, or two boxes, as suggested 
for the divan. 

1. Fasten one on top of the other through their 
bottoms, as in the divan. 

2. Cut the legs. 

3. Cut the slats as shown in the picture. 

4. Paint with white enamel or gold to look 
like brass. 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 



81 



GOOD NIGHT. 

Get a little china doll, 

Then make a night-gown white ; 
Tuck her in her little crib, 

And kiss her a loving good night. 




Crib. 



82 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 

CHIFFONIER. 

Use the same sort of box and cover as sug- 
gested for the dresser. 

1. Cut the cover the right height for the back. 

2. Slide the box up or down as in making the 
dresser. Make the part containing the ^* draw- 
ers" higher, and the ^^ mirror" shorter than in 
the dresser. 

3. Make the ' ' drawers ' ' and * ' mirror " as in the 
dresser ; also shape the legs. 

4. Paint to match the rest of your bedroom 
furniture. 



CANDLE STICKS. 

A simple scarf upon the top 

Is all you really need, 
Unless you make some candle sticks, 

And these are cute indeed. 

Just take a spool and paper firm, 
Red worsted use for light ; 

The paper 'round it smoothly roll, 
Till in the hole it's tight. 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 



83 




Chiffonier. 



84 WHEN MOTHEK LETS US MAKE 

KITCHEN CABINET. 

Use a box with a cover entirely overlapping 
it, like a candy or writing paper box. 

1. Cut the cover the right height for the back. 

2. Study carefully the proportions of the cab- 
inet shown in the picture ; then cut pieces from 
the sides and top as in the piano. 

3. Slide the box up to the point where the sides 
are cut out. Mark, cut of^ the bottom and 
fasten the parts together. 

4. Use the other end of the box for the shelves, 
as in the bookcase. Fasten them in. 

5. Cut pieces of cardboard for the ^'drawer'' 
and ^^ doors"; then fasten them on with ^4inobs" 
and *^ hinges." Shape the legs. 

6. Paint some color suitable for a kitchen. 
Possibly someone might show you how to 
*^ grain" it. 



"SUGAR AND SPICE AND ALL THINGS NICE." 

Lace paper from candy boxes 
Can be used upon the shelves ; 

Paint and print on spools some labels, 
And arrange them all yourselves. 

Then when you play you're little cooks, 

How nice 'twill be to see 
Your shelves with sugar, salt and spice. 

In rows so orderly. 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 



85 




Kitchen Cabinet. 



86 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 



GETTING SUPPER. 



Surely, I couldn't be lonesome 

With dolly right here in her chair ; 

With my stove, my table and dishes, 
Her supper I now shall prepare. 



PAPER BOX FUENITXIEE 



87 







kz.\* : *»: 



Getting Supper. 



88 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 

PARLOK CHAIR. 

Use the kind of box suggested for the arm 
chair. 

1. Make this exactly as you made the arm 
chair, until you are ready to shape the legs and 
back. 

2. Study the picture and you will see that 
there are no arms, and no slats between the legs. 
Notice how the back is cut. 

3. Paint mahogany, oak or rosewood like the 
rest of your parlor furniture. You might paint 
one with white enamel for your bedroom, or with 
gold as a fancy parlor chair. 



THE LITTLE UPHOLSTERER. 

When your parlor chairs are finished, 
With varnish make them shine ; 

Then on the seats glue velvet, 
If you wish them 'specially fine. 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 




89 



Chair. 



90 WHEN MOTHER LETS ITS MAKE 

HALL RACK. 

Use the kind of box suggested for the dresser 
and chiffonier. 

1. Cut the cover the right lieight for the back. 

2. Slide the box up or down until the propor- 
tions are right. 

3. Cut off the bottom and fasten the parts to- 
gether. 

4. Shape the legs. Fasten on the ^'drawer'' 
with ^' knobs.'' Cut the slats and hole for '' mir- 
ror.'' 

5. Fasten on an extra cardboard, putting 
either a silver paper ^^ mirror" or a real looking- 
glass between it and the back. The fasteners 
should be pushed through from the hack. Look 
carefully to see how the little prongs are bent 
and curved to form little hooks. 

TIDY CHILDREN. 

The little hooks are very small, 
Yet are strong enough to safely use ; 

So you can hang up dollies' hats, 

And their jackets and furs, if you choose. 

It will be very wise indeed. 

To teach your dolls as mother taught you, 
That tidy children always remember. 

To hang up clothes as grown-ups do. 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 



91 




Hall Rack. 



92 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 

HIGH CHAIR. 

Use a corset box. 

1. Cut seat and back from opposite ends of 
box as in arm chair. Make the back about 8|/2 
inches and the seat about 5 inches. 

2. Fasten parts together near the seat and at 
the bottom (the other fasteners on sides hold the 
foot rest which will be put in later,) 

3. Shape the arms, back and legs. Be sure 
to have one slat on the sides where the foot rest 
is to be (about ll^ inches below the seat). 

4. From the two ends of the cover, cut two 
pieces about 4 inches long for the tray and foot 
rest. The edges are too deep for the propor- 
tions of the chair, so must be carefully cut down 
about one-half. 

5. Cut away all but about 1 inch of bottom of 
foot rest. The projecting pieces must be pushed 
between the other two parts and fastened as 
shown in picture. 

6. The tray is the same shape, but about % 
inch more of its bottom must be left. When the 
projecting ends are pivoted to the sides by two 
fasteners or a wire hairpin, that extra half-inch 
of bottom will rest on the front corners of the 
arms, and keep the tray level. The tray can be 
moved up and down as on a real high chair. 



PAPER BOX FUHNITURE 



93 




High Chair. 



94 WHEN MOTHEK LETS US MAKE 



WHEN BABY DOLL IS HUNGRY. 

If your baby doll is hungry, 
Set him in his new high chair ; 

Put his bowl upon the tray, 
So that he can reach it there. 

You can play he has some milk 
In the bowl for shredded wheat ; 

If you 're careful not to spill it, 
With some sugar make it sweet. 



PAPER BOX FUKNITUKE 



95 




When Baby Is Hungry. 



96 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 

TABOURET AND PALM. 

Use the kind of box in which bottles of shoe 
dressing are packed — tall, with nearly square top 
and a cover which entirely overlaps it. 

1. Cut a piece of the cover the right height; 
shape the legs. If you haven't a box of this 
kind, a peppermint box and its cover can be used, 
by cutting off an end of each and fastening them 
together, as shown in the picture. 

2. Fasten on an extra piece of cardboard, 
wliich will project for the top. 

3. Use an empty twist spool for the ''jar- 
diniere. ' ' Cut a strip of green paper the height 
you wish your plant to be; roll this firmly so it 
will just fit, and stand up in the hole of the spool. 

4. With sharp point of scissors cut down the 
roll in several places. Spread out and shape the 
''leaves." 

5. Fasten in some small artificial flowers, or 
stick in toothpicks or straws, with bits of bright 
paper tied or glued on like flowers. 

A LITTLE FLORIST. 

Gild your spool to look like brass, 
And paint your leaves a pretty green ; 

Fasten a small artificial flower. 

Like those on growing plants you've seen. 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 



97 




Tabouret and Palm. 



98 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 

SCREEN. 

Use three pieces of cardboard cut from bot- 
toms or covers of boxes. 

1. Hinge the pieces together at their edges 
with thread, wire or ribbon. 

2. Cut out the slats at the top. 

3. Cut out the tliree large holes and gather in 
silk or muslin ; or paste pretty paper or figured 
cloth flat on the cardboard; or paint flowers or 
landscape right on the cardboard. 

4. Paint the *^ wooden" parts gold or white. 

THE PARLOR SCREEN. 

If the screen in your parlor 3^ou use, 
You might burnish it all with gold ; 

Then colored silk so pretty and bright. 
On each of the sides you might fold. 

But if in the bedroom it finds a place. 

White enamel is better to use; 
Then for each side, instead of the silk. 

Some dainty white muslin I'd choose. 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 



99 




Screen. 



100 WHEN MOTHEK LETS US MAKE 

WASH TUB AND BENCH. 

For the bench use a long, narrow and shallow 
box and its cover. For a small bench use a spool 
box ; for a larger one, a stocking box. 

1. Use the box for the legs, and the cover for 
the top. 

For the tub use a pasteboard ribbon ^^bolt." 
For a larger tub, use one of the fancy miniature 
hat boxes used for silk flowers. 

1. Cut out the top of the ribbon ^^bolt." 

2. Paint black ^^ hoops" and little vertical lines 
to show the strips of wood of which a tub is made. 

3. Make handles out of hairjDins. Use thread 
to bind a tiny strip of paper around the wire for 
the *' wooden" part of the handle. 

For the washboard use part of the cover ,pf a 
jewelry, corset or shoe box, according to the 
size of the tub. 

1. Cut the cover the right length ; then cut the 
^4egs." 

2. If the board is large enough, fasten on a 
piece of corrugated cardboard; if it is small, 
draw lines to suggest that part. 

3. From a scrap of soap, whittle out a little 
^^bar." 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 



101 



WASH DAY. 

The tub is made only of pasteboard, 

So water you can't really use, 
But a cute little ''bar" you can whittle. 

From a scrap of real soap if you choose. 




Wash Tub and Bench. 



102 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 



CRADLE. 

Use any box of the right proportions — 
jewelry, candy or shoe box. 

1. Fold a piece of paper and cut a pattern 
of the end with the rocker. Cut several until 
one fits your box and will rock, 

2. Lay pattern on cardboard; then draw and 
cut two ends. 

3. Fasten these as shown in the picture. If 
the cradle is a large one, use very heavy card- 
board or fasten several thicknesses together, so 
that it will be strong enough to be played with. 

4. Paint with white enamel. 



PAPER BOX rURNITURE 



103 







104 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 



ROCK-A-BY BABY. 

In this cradle clean and white, 

Our baby doll will sleep; 
We'll tuck her blanket snug and tight, 

So nice and warm she'll keep. 

Then with one little finger. 
Rock it gently to and fro. 

And softly hum a lullaby — 
Don't mothers do just so? 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 



105 




Rock-a-By-Baby. 



106 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 

UMBRELLA STAND. 
Use the kind of box suggested for the tabouret. 

1. Cut off the box the right height. If pepper- 
mint boxes are used, fasten tlie pieces of box 
and cover together, as shown in the picture. 

2. Cut the slats. 

3. Paint with gold to look like brass, or with 
a color to represent wood or porcelain. 



DOLLY'S UMBRELLA. 

Whittle a stick for a handle, 

Paint it a nice dark brown, 
'Round it twist some soft, black paper 

And firmly bind it down. 

This umbrella will not open. 
So let's hope it will not rain. 

But don't you think it will look cunning 
In the stand with a little cane? 



PAPER BOX FURNITUEE 



107 




Umbrella Stand. 



108 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 



PIANO BENCH. 



You might find a small box just the right size 
and shape. Turn it bottom up and cut the legs. 

You might have to cut ends from the box and 
cover of a candy box, and fasten them together 
as shown in the picture. 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 



109 



PLAYING THE PIANO. 

Before the piano, not too far away, 
Place the bench so dolly may sit there to play ; 
In order that she may do this with ease, 
Place her hands so that lightly they rest on the 
keys. 




Piano Bench. 



110 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE 

CLOCK. 

Use the kind of box described for the tab- 
ouret, or box and cover of a peppermint box cut 
the right height and fastened together. 

1. Use a silver dollar or end of large spool as 
pattern for the face. Mark the face directly 
on the box, or make it on white paper and glue 
it on. 

2. Cut the legs and openings. 

3. Make the pendulum of cardboard and long 
enough to extend up into the top. 

4. Cut hands of pasteboard or bits of tin. 

5. Push a long pin or wire hairpin through 
the hands, middle of face, top of pendulum and 
back of the clock. Bend the end of the wire 
down. You can then move the hands and swing 
the pendulum. 

6. You might put a fastener into the lower end 
of the pendulum and double the prongs out of 
sight. This looks attractive and also makes the 
pendulum heavier so that it swings better. 

TICK-TOCK, TICK-TOCK. 

It surely would be lots of fun 
If our clock could reallv ^o ; 

But let's just push the pendulum, 
To make it swing to and fro. 



PAPER BOX FURNITURE 



111 




LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




